Ben O’Connell

The annual North Tourism Fair, which took place last week in Alnwick, saw a sell-out attendance of exhibitors and a throng of visitors throughout the day.

The event, in Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre on Wednesday, March 18, had130 tourism organisations exhibiting, while some 350 accommodation providers and visitors passed through the turnstiles.

“By common consent this was the best event yet at Alnwick,” said David Taylor, of the Alnwick Tourism Association.

“The exhibitors’ stands were of very high quality, there was strong demand for leaflets and brochures from accommodation providers, and there was lively buzz in the hall throughout the day.”

Such was the demand that event organisers, Local Living reported that some exhibitors had run out of literature by the end of the day.

MP Sir Alan Beith said: “I know at first-hand how important tourism is to the economy of north Northumberland.

“I was impressed by the number and variety of exhibitors at the fair, and also the professionalism of their displays. Such quality and enterprise deserves to be rewarded with a successful 2015 tourism season.”

Carlo Biagioni, chairman of the Alnwick Chamber of Trade, added: “Tourism is vital to so, so many small businesses and so many jobs in Northumberland – not just the visitor attractions and the accommodation providers, but also food and catering, local shops, handicrafts and gifts, and support services such as web-design and property management.

“I was so pleased to see so many local businesses represented at Wednesday’s event. It was a great showpiece for the town.”

The Olive Branch Café served lunches and snacks , while Pumphreys and Ringtons offered free drinks.

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